He was born circa 1776. His father was Jose Nicodemus Vela, and his mother was Maria Gertrudis Ramirez.
He married Maria Josefa Moreno, daughter of Joaquin Moreno and Maria Barbara Vela.
He married Maria Josefa Resendez. It was his second marriage.
In 1782, he lived in Sabinitos in household number 93. The church census recorded that he was a young child, español, and 6 years old. His household included 3 people:
Jose Nicodemus Vela, married, español, age 30.
Maria Gertrudis Ramirez Vela, married, española, age 27.
Jose Gregorio Vela, a young child, español, age 6.